Erik gave a groan, head tossing slightly, face tencing as he grew near waking.

Nikita stroked Erik's hair back gently, whispering softly to him.  He readied a glass of water.

Erik's eyes cracked open, the blue below clouded slightly.

Nikita's hands moved down Erik's face carefully.  "I have water, Master."

Erik looked over. "Nikita... are you well...?" he asked, voice slightly cracked.

THe boy nodded.  "Master is here, that's all that matters."  He held out the water.  "Master will get better?"

Erik sat up slowly, accepting the cup. "Of course, Nikita," he smiled before gently sipping the water. He paused, noticing his injurys had been tended too and smiled softly.

NIkita rested carefully against Erik's side.  "Nikita is glad."  He reached up to touch his collar for reassurance, and remembered it had been taken away.  His eyes clouded.  "Master....  Nikita's collar...."

Erik grimiced. "You wish a new one...?"

"It means NIkita is Master's.  And no one else's."  Nikita looked up, biting his lip.  "Master still wants Nikita, right?"

"Yes! Of course!" Erik replied, emphatically, pulling the boy close and hugging him, ignoreing the pain as he adigated his scorched skin.

Nikita wrapped his arms around Erik's shoulders, leaning up to kiss him.  He gae a heavy lidded smile, then pulled away quickly.  "Master is hurt!"

Erik gave a slight grimice. "I'll be fine..."

"Nikita doesn't want to hurt Master," Nikita said contritely.

Erik gave a small smile. "You could never hurt me."

With a smile, Nikita leaned gently against Erik.  "Master," he breathed, eyes worshipful.

Erik smiled, consentrating on hiding his wounds and pain from Nikita.  "We should go locate the owner of this place and see if we can get some food..."

"Yes, Master."  Nikita rose gracefully, holding out his hands to help Erik.  "He went down."
 

Adam snuggled closer to Astor again, putting off getting up further.  There was a commotion going on downstairs that hadn't been stopped, so his mother wasn't there.  That meant that he should get up and see to it.  But it was so much more comfortable here.  He pulled the blankets up around their naked forms and held Astor close, trying to convey to the moon elf without words how much he cared for him.

Maeve was calmer.  She realized she over-reacted with Xander.  Well, King Xander now.  She acted stupid.  She didn't even really like him anymore... well, have a crush on him.  She did still like him.  He changed a lot over the years, eye-patch one example.  She'ld ask him about that later, if he still would be willing to talk to her that is.  She went back for her bag which she left in Adam and Astor's room when they let her... watch.

She blinked in surprise when she saw Princess Davia in front of the door.  "Princess...?  What are you doing?"  She shook her head absently.  "I'm sorry about earlier.  I over-reacted, and acted like a complete ninny."

Davia turned and looked at Maeve, showing her tear-stained face. She looked away, embarressingly, wiping her face. "It's ok," she said to Maeve. "I.. I just can't believe that I ran away at a time like this.."

Maeve blinked, surprised.  She didn't see the tears until Davia faced her fully.  She hesitantly went over to her, gently placing her arm around the Princess.  "You didn't do the smartest thing, running away, but it's not your fault.  What we have to do is have a group talk, and work this out."

Davia nodded, accepting the embrace. "Yeah.. thanks.. I," she slowly let go of Maeve a moment. "I wanted to say goodbye to Astor before I left.." she told her solemly.

Maeve smiled confortingly at Davia.  "I believe if you asked nicely, Astor and Adam might be convinced to come with us.  What would you think about that?"

Davia blinked a moment, turning to look at the closed door where they were. "I don't know. I hadn't thought about it.. I just want to get home to Father," she said as she lightly knocked on the door. "Astor? Are you in there?" she asked from behind the door.

Adam groaned.  "What d'ya want, Princess?"

"Oh, I.. sorry Adam," Davia replied. "Do you know where I can find Astor?" she said in a slightly choked up voice. "I--I need to talk to him a moment.."

Adam buried his head in a pillow and groaned again.  "He's in here if you need him...  What is it, Princess?"

She opened the door and entered, looking around the room a moment before spotting Astor in bed with Adam. She halted in her step and looked directly at Astor. "Can I talk to you a moment, Astor?"

The elf looked up, looking slightly diffrent. Most of his ornementations were resting on the stand next to the bed and what part of him was uncovered by the blanket was compleatly bear.  "Ah, princess," he smiled. "I fear you have caught me at my most unseemly... Do allow me to don attire more appropreate for your eyes...?"

She nodded, feeling tears brew up in her eyes again and wiped them.

Maeve followed the Princess into the room and blinked at Adam and Astor in bed.  She wasn't shocked nor surprised.  She also noticed that Davia was still upset but now confused ontop of that.  She gently covered the other girl's eyes with her hand, and gave the two elves a helpless look, trying to convey the fact that something has happened since they last seen them.

Adam sighed and motioned for her to take the girl away as he stood and located his pants halfway across the room.  Assured that Davia wasn't watching, he handed Astor his clothes and gave him a quick kiss.

Astor smiled and kissed him back. "If I do not return swiftly, do fear the worst," he joked with a wink as he doned a soft white robe and exited the room.

Maeve nodded.  "We'll meet in the Dining room when your done dressing."  She gently herded the Princess out of the room, still covering her eyes with her hands.  Only when the door was safely closed behind her did she relinquish the girl.  She grimaced slightly wiping her hand dry on her shift.

"Sorry about that, Princess.  Some things a Princess just shouldn't see.  Let's prepare some tea in the kitchen and wait for the boyos.  Do you happen to know where King Xander is?  If you do, I'll start the tea and you can bring him to the kitchen."  Maeve was gently patting Davia's shoulder, trying to confort the distressed Princess.

Davia blinked, wondering what that was all about. "I believe he is still outside," she replied, as they walked down to the dinning hall. "I am sure he is most anxious to leave.."

"Well, unfortunately, we're not leaving until tomorrow.  Words must be spoken and the air cleared." Maeve stated clearly and firmly.  When she was out on her own, she thought about how she reacted to the King's prescenc.  She owed him an apology.  He also owed Davia an apology, but that could be saved til later.  She was responsible for her own actions, and she acted unreasonable.  "Show him to the kitchen.  I'll also see If I can find something for us to snack on."  She went to the kitchen and started to boil some water.

"..Not leaving until tomorrow?!" Davia exclaimed, worriedly. "But.. Father needs me!  I must get home right away!"

Maeve gave Davia a level look.  "I know you want to see your father, but that will have to hold until tomorrow.  The air must be cleared of all false pretenses.  You and King Xander don't have to like or even love each other, but you have to have an understanding.  You are your Kingdoms future and must be able to respect each others differences and work together as a team."  She paused mildly, "The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can leave to see your father."

Davia sighed, not wanting to hear any of that. She turned to go outside to find the King.

Once outside, she looked around, spotting Crystal grazing at the edge of the forrest, waiting for her return and staying far away from the King as she can. Davia turned towards the stables and spotted Xander leaning against the building next to his griffen, also waiting for her return. She approached him slowly. "Maeve said we should discuss things and leave tomorrow morning. She wishes for you to join us for some tea inside during the discussion," she told him softly.

"So Maeve decided this all on her own, did she?" he asked in a matching tone.  "How lovely for her."  He nodded at the princess.  "Shall we to tea?" he asked, offering her his arm.  He followed the girl's lead to the kitchens.  His eye immediately went to Maeve.  "Maeve," he said, "I hear you have made some decisions about our situation."

Astor paused mid chat with Adam to blink at the newcomer. "Dear Alex..." he said, voice slightly suprized and full of wonder.

Maeve gave the King a weary look, but before she could reply Astor entered the room.  She felt her eyebrow rise, "Dear Alex...?"  She gave the King a questioning look.

Alex's gaze turned swiftly to the elves.  "Astor...?" he asked in a shocked tone.

Davia blinked and looked at Alex questionably. "You know Astor?  How do you two know each other?" she asked him.

Alex sent a distracted glance at Davia.  "Astor is a wanderer," he said as if that were an explanation.  He looked back to the moon elf.  "I didn't expect to see you again."

Astor gave a soft smile, eyes slightly saddned. "Yours was not a place that often provided welcome to those such as myself..." he said softly. He looked breifly at Adam in silent communication.

Maeve eyes widened in sudden understanding.  "Oh... ohhh... ohhhhhhh..."  Ah... well that explained a lot.  Sort of anyway.

Maeve set the large teapot on the table with some meats, breads, and cheeses.  She sat down.  "Well, we might as well sit and start the pow-wow." she said absently.

Adam gave a slight nod, then turned and smiled fetchingly at Maeve.  "And here I'm forgetting m'own duties as host and a guest is showing me my duty."  He brought out the plates and joined her.  "Sit, m'pretties," he invited with a grin.

Davia sighed, still slightly confused by what was going on.  She sat down at the table with her arms crossed across her chest.

Maeve flashed Adam a warm and companionable smile.  She gave Davia a worried look and gently place a cup of tea in front of the Princess.  "Drink this dearie, it will make you feel better."  She poured a few more cups before sitting down with on of her own.

"I didn't mean to order anyone about and such, but I felt that some vital things needed to be said before we returned to the castle.  I am going to join you, if you don't mind terribly.  If so I can allways travel ahead of you.  I am also hoping that Adam and Astor to join us, if they don't mind being away for a short time?" she said questioningly toward the others.

Adam blinked a few times, then grinned.  "I'm game.  Astor, m'love?"

Alex turned away from Astor to give Adam an appraising look.  He then glared at Maeve.  "And what would they need to join us for?"

Davia looked at Maeve also, having the same question in mind. Although, as she thought of it, she wouldn't mind having Astor come with her. It might be a bit comforting to have him there..

Maeve gave the King an even look.  "For Davia and my benefit."  She paused a moment to collect her thoughts.  "I wanted to apologized for earlier.  I got out of hand.  I did mean what I said about you being to harsh on Davia.  You could have been a little more diplomatic.  I apologize for criticizing you.  I was acting like the silly child I was accusing you of acting like.  It was just akward for me to be seeing you again."  She gave him a sheepish grin.

Davia quietly sipped her tea as she listened.

Astor smiled, turning away from his silent dailoge with Alex's gaze.  "Dear Adam, you know I float with the winds..." he smiled. "Wherever there is one in need, I shall be there," he said with a flourish.
 

Erik paused, hearing voices. He unconciously shifted his wings to appear uninjured and made sure his banages were covered by his clothing and cautiously entered the room, Nikita close by.

Maeve looked up in surprise to see Erik and Nikita.  She remembered them from the Tavern a few nights ago.  She wondered what they were doing here, or better yet, when did they arive. She mentaly shrugged and gave them a gentle smile of welcome.  "Would you like to join us and have some tea?" she asked softly and politely.

Erik looked at her. She seemed familiar--- His eyes widened and he near unconciously shifted to a defencive stance, recognizing her as the michecious elven woman from the tavern. He went to reach for his magic and winced, realizing it was still blocked. He swore silently and held himself stiffly. "No thank you..." he said, voice neutral. If this 'Tea' was anything like high demon Quaknag.... He shuddered slightly at the memory of the taste.

Maeve blinked in surprise.  Was he about to attack her?  She cocked her head at him.  "Are you sure.  it's made with mint, chamamile, and rose petels.  Some food will help restore your energy as well." she said mildy.

Adam looked at his teacup.  "Is that why it tasted like that?" he said with a smile.  "I'll make you some willowbark tea, your highness.  Good for what ails you."

Erik looked warrily at the group. "What is in this... tea... anyway..." he asked, voice cautious.

"It's a hot beverage made out of herbs and plants.  It soothes the stomach and the soul."  Maeve replied mildly.

Erik raised and eyebrow warrily at the woman. "Forgive me if I'm less then trusting..." he said tactfuly. "But I will remain warry of substances that claime to alter ones phyche...."

Maeve blinked.  "It's a figure of speach." she said amused.

Davia looked up at the newcomer. "It's just tea..." she responded mildly, going back to sipping hers.

Rising, Adam brought his cup around the table to where Erik and Nikita were standing.  Making a great ceremony of it, he took a sip, then held it out to Erik.  "It isn't dangerous."

Erik looked at the cup warrily. "Or intoxicating...?" he asked.

Adam laughed.  "Not in the slightest."

"What do you have against tea?" Davia asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

Maeve blinked at Davia.  "He didn't say he had anything wrong with tea.  How could he if he doesn't know what it is." she said amiably.

Erik looked at Davia in a slightly prissy way. "There is nothing wrong of being warry of an unknown drink in a land you are not familair with," he nearly sniffed.

Davia said nothing and went back to her own tea.

Maeve smiled into her cup of tea.

Davia looked back up at the new people. "You have not introduced yourselves yet, you know.." she reminded them.

Adam rolled his eyes.  "I've been dared to drink quaknag, Princess.  If he thinks tea is that, he's never encountered it."  He continued to hold the cup out.  "Try it, highness."

Erik's nose quirked slightly. "Please, do not call me that title unless it has meaning. I have delt with too many mockers..." He gingerly took the cup and went to detox it and swore softly. "Nikita... Would you...?" he asked, lowering the cup for the boy to view.

"Well, as you STILL haven't given us anything else to call you...." Adam prompted.

Nikita blinked at Erik a moment, then his eyes widened.  Putting a hand over the cup, he mouthed a word and checked for poison or spells.  SHaking his head near imperceptably, he took his hand away,

Erik gave a small releived sigh and raised the cup again. "I am Kar Erik Devraj," he said formaly. "And this is my Nikita," he said fondly, putting an arm around the boy in a half hug.

Nikita smiled up at Erik, snuggling against his side.

Davia gave a slight nod of acknowledgement. "I am Princess Davia," she told him.

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Of what realm...?"

Davia blinked. "I am sorry, I do not understand what you mean.."

Erik looked impatient. "Of what realm are you Princess of?"

Maeve saw Davia's continued look of confusion.  "She rules over part of the human realm." she answered for her.

Adam blinked at Davia.  "It's not that hard a question, Princess...."

"How many parts is this realm split into? Regreatfuly there were very few books on this realm in the libary and most of them had scribbles of derogatory natures on what few pages they still possessed..." Erik sighed disgustedly.

"Many, though they are scattered." said Maeve mildly.  "Though the shapeshifters mainly habitat in two forests which are  basicaly next to each other." continued Maeve.

Davia placed her tea cup on the table in an impatient manner. "Can we please get on with the supposed discussion we are supposed to have?! Father needs me and I wish to get home!" she snapped.

Erik's lip curled at the mention of shapeshifters. "Shifters inhabit this realm...?"

Maeve leaned back casually.  "Yep.  Problem?"

"Shifters tend to be the lowest class of being... second only to the former inhabitants of my realm of rule..." Erik twiched slightly. "A particualty nasty group was quite friendly with many of my would be assasins...."

"And the most recent encounters with such of that race..." His eyes grew hard. "There is one whom I will personaly see suffer every torment of the seven levles of hell..." he said darkly, hugging Nikita close.

Maeve felt her eyebrows raise.  "Well the shapeshifters here hate politics and basicaly stay to themeselves."

Adam snorted.  "And yet you're so happy to jump on the bandwagon," he said with a smile.

He turned to Davia.  "And if your king would return with Astor, we would.  As Astor still has him, there's not much we can do, can we?" he said as if speaking to a child.

Maeve smiled at Adam.  "I have wonderer's blood.  Plus my family has ties to Davia's Kingdom.  Our father's are close friends from the Aagonian War."

"Politics is the lest of my conserns..." Erik said darkly.  "The deseptors here have been worse then those involved with politics because at least THEY have some PURPOUS to their malice!" his fists cletched a moment. "I do severly hope at least one of that acursed race has an ounce of honour and deceancy. Too many of the old races are decaying into arrogant---" he trailed off.

Davia groaned a sigh of frustration and got up, storming out of the room to find Alex and Astor.

Maeve raised her eyebrow, curious.  "Arrogant...?"

"Beleive they are supriour and can take what they wish... much like those idoits I used to rule..." Erik muttered. He shook his head. "Pardon me, personal expaceance have left me bitter."

Maeve shrugged.  "You go by what you know.  I find high elves to be like that."

Erik gave a snort. "Most are as arrogant as  the High Demons. Beleiving themselves supriour... of course, they at least have culture and ability and things that would suport their notion..." he sighed, hugging Nikita to his side.

Maeve shrugged.

Astor and Alex exited the room, Davia following.  Astor paused, blinking breifly at the newcomer before smiling.

Alex looked at Erik warily.  "Who's this?"

Davia shrieked, seeing Erik's demon form.  She hid behind Alex.  "Where did those wings come from?!"

Maeve jumped, surprised at Davia's scream, almost dropping her teacup.  She gave Davia a disgusted look.  "He's had wings the whole time."

"Not very observant, is she?" Adam asked sardonically.

Alex glared.  "And who is this?"

"This is Kar Erik Devraj and 'his' Nikita," Adam answered.

Maeve hid her smirk when she sipped her tea.

Davia gathered herself together, getting out from behind Alex. "Well, now can we move on with our ~discussion~ so that I may go home to Father?" she said, a bit more impatiently.

Alex scowled, but bowed.

Erik sighed. "Do not bow unless you have meaning behind it..." he said almost tiredly. "I do not rule this realm, so there is no need...."

Alex shrugged.  "I am King Alexander of Faran, a kingdom near here.  I am accustomed to according others honour."

Erik's eyebrow rose. "Appologies, King Alexander," he said before returning the bow, hinding his wince as his injuries protested.  "Is this place a gathering place for royalty...?"

Maeve shifted uncomfortably at that.  "Ha...  Let's skip the formalities please.  We know what we are doing tomorrow.  We are joining King Xan.. Alex and Princess Davia to Davia's Kingdom.  They are going to be married to join there Kingdoms.  Both of you need to learn to get along.  Davia isn't as bad as you think... she's  unobservant, a tad spoiled, and can get annoying, but she has a good heart." Maeve paused.
"You two have to work out conditions to your marriage.  What you will and will not tolerate and compromise."

"If there is a way to avoid marrying for the sake of a treaty, I will find it," Alex said stiffly.

Davia's head sharply turned towards Alex. (Gee, I love you too, Xander..) she thought to herself. She said nothing and turned back to Maeve to see what she had to say.

Maeve sighed.  "If there is a way, then all is well that ends well, but what are the chances of that happening?" she said mildly.

Alex stiffened.  "I will be civil to the princess, and any who accompany us.  If this is all you wanted to discuss, I will go care for my mount."  He bowed and turned to go.

"If you two have to marry each other, are you going to be bitchy and resentfull towards each other?  How do you think that going to affect the people around you?  Your children?"

(Good point,) Davia thought. She hadn't thought about that before.

"If you are like this towards each other, or how you are now, your enemies will use that against you.  I don't want to see the Kingdom destroyed.  I've spent many summers there and it is another home to me." Maeve said nuetraly.

Alex looked confused.  "What does our relationship have to do with the strength of my armies?"

Maeve rolled her eyes.  "A united King and Queen make a strong Kingdom.  If you two are allways bickering and being nasty and patronizing, how do you think it would affect it?" Maeve gave him an even look.

"Do you know how often royalty sees each other?"

Erik gave a snort. "As long as they're civil in public, noone cares. Good sevents know better then to say anything and poor ones you can dispose of..." he paused. "Or not... I don't know the rules for your realm..."

Maeve sighed.  "Geez... I'll just cross my fingers and pray" Royalty!  Why did she even bother.

Alex shrugged.  "My grandparents couldn't stand the sight of each other and Grandfather tripled the size of the kingdom to be away from her.  Grandmother, in turn, was the wisest judge the land had seen in generations so the kingdom prospered because of their mutual animosity."

Erik chuckled. "Dislike being put to good use... rather refreshing..." he near smirked.

Maeve shrugged.  "I was just hopping to help the two people I'm fond of not end up despising each other, but fine.  Have it your way!" she scowled down at her tea.

"They obviously stood one another long enough to have an heir," Adam pointed out drily.

Alex shrugged.  "I shall be with my beast whenever you are ready."  He turned to Adam.  "There is room in the stable for me?"

Adam nodded.  "You can have a room if you want...."

Alex shook his head.  "The stable is good enough."

Maeve looked crestfallen.  After a moment she blinked as a thought came to her.  "Oh Alex?  I wanted to apologized for acting so moody before."

The man paused.  "Think nothing of it," he said, with a trace of his former charm.  "It is already forgotten."

Maeve gave him a small smile.

"Umm," Davia finally spoke up, "Does this mean we can leave now?" she asked.

Adam looked amused by the entire situation. "Sure, Princess. Leave if y'like."

Realizing that Alex left, Davia went after him.

"Xander?" she called after him.

Alex stopped. "What do you wish, Princess?"

"Will you accompany me home?" she asked.

He looked at her as though she was an idiot. "Of course, Princess."

"Why are you looking at me like that? The way you were talking back there it sounded like you wanted to stay the night.." she commented

"Princess, nothing would please me more than getting this situation overwith as soon as possible. As others have appointed themselves extra companions, I have little control over our schedule."

"We are alone now. Can we just leave without them?" she asked. "Maeve knows the way to the palace, she can direct them.."

Alex considered a moment. "It might be best to wait. The roads are dangerous, especially with a young lady of obvious breeding.  Traveling in groups is safer."

"I had no trouble getting here," she pointed out. "And I was only traveling with Crystal."

Alex shrugged.

She took a step closer to the King, grabbing hold of both his hands and holding them in hers, between them. "So, can we Xander? Can we leave now?" she almost begged.

Alex glared slightly, and took his hands from hers. "I have my steed to see to. After that is done, we will see. Make sure you're ready."

Davia nodded. "I am already ready, my bag is just inside."

"Very well. Wait, then."

She nodded again, and turned back towards the house to get her back.
 

Erik gave a sigh as the majority of the rooms occupants left for their sleeping quarters. He hugged NIkita to his side a moment, and gave a large exhail, allowing his form to revert to his natural and true appearance. "Nikita..." he began, moving to be at eyelevel with the boy. "If you are feeling up to it, would you restore my abilities?"

Nodding, Nikita rested his hands lightly against Erik's chest.  Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and concentrated.  He felt a tingling throughout his body that moved through his hands into Erik.  Becoming profoundly aware of his Master's body he shifted some of his magic to the hurt spots, gently fixing them, and then filled the man to almost overflowing with his own magic.  He felt it begin to shift to Erik's own signature of power before he allowed himself to collapse into Erik's arms, heartbeat and breathing coming very fast.

Erik held the boy close, picking him up off his feet into his arms. "Thank you," he said softly. "Rest now. I shall keep you safe and close to me, dear Nikita..." he said soothingly, cradeling the boy.

Nikita smiled tiredly, leaning his head against Erik's shoulder.  "Master...." he murmured.

"Neat trick, that," Alex said neutrally, coming in from his position in the doorway to fetch his saddlebags from under the table.  "Although," he added, eying the tight leather pants and open shirt that Nikita wore, "Likely not the only reason you value him."

Erik glared, holding Nikita closer in a protective way. "Do not judge my Nikita on his appearance..." he said darkly.

Alex shrugged.  "I'm sure it's your own business," he said.  Giving a sketchy bow, he began to leave.

Erik sighed. "Forgive my offence..." he said, sitting down, with the now alseep Nikita in his arms. "Of late, there has been much trouble with people assuming that my most cherished companion means no more then a simple slave for animal pleasures..." his face was disgusted a moment.

Alex paused, feeling a strange kinship.  "One learns... discretion," he said, more to himself than his companion.  "Let the world see what it wishes as long as you are together."

"I do not care to have the world disrespect him..." Erik said replied, gently tracing the line of Nikita's face. "For him I have faught and killed... He has lifted me from my former existance and shown me what it is like in the sun..." he gave a small smile at the mild irony. "He saved my life when I dewlt in a world where all were trying to destroy me. He has given me hope and confidence when I had none and been my sole comfort and joy.  It if for his honour I destroyed my kingdom, and I have no regreats from it."

The boy, still asleep, turned toward the touch, whispering the word master.

"You are braver than I," Alex said softly, looking away.  "I hide my love for the sake of my people."  He paused again, then sighed in admission.  "And to try and win the affection of my parents."

"Your gaurdians dissaprove?"

"I have always been the 'bad' prince, and my choice in bed partners merely strengthened that opinion in my parents' minds.  Until recently, I feared they would take him away from me, as they took the last."

Erik blinked. "Take him? Your culture allowed the gaurdians to rule over their offsprings existance past childhood?"

"As royalty, my life has always been proscribed," Alex said with a sad look.  "I believe they sent him as an ambassador elsewhere.  To my knowledge... he is happy."

Erik was quiet a moment. "Unless it is drasticly diffrent then the histories I've read... itsn't it only the ruler's public life this is proscribed?  I cannot see the need to detail ones private life, as long as the public duties are fufilled..."

"Men loving other men is highly frowned upon by my people.  If it were discovered, my power and my parents' power would be questioned.  There are always those willing to exploit a weakness or moral discrepancy."

Erik gave a snort. "So show them it does not make you weak.  It was beleived my care for Nikita further proved my incompitance as a ruler. Now my name as been inscribed as 'Erik the Destructor' and as the greatest king of the High Demon realm because I showed my care made me stronger then any of the idoits who clamed I was weak." He paused. "Not that I'm sugesting sending your realm to the 7th layer of hell..." he smiled.

"I could not anyway," Alex said.  "My care has always been for my kingdom."

"I have found that care is best place on oneself as much as their kingdom," Erik replied. "It's hard to rule if you are mearly a shell..."

"It... is hard to be anything else since the battle that gave me this," Alex said, placing a hand to the scar over his eye.  "Since I lost my father, and my brother, life hardly seems worth living."

Erik was quiet a moment. "Prehaps this is why the High demons began detaching themselve from family members..." he mused. "My deep condolances on your loss. As I knew not my family, I can only barely comprehend what your greiving would be..." He was quiet again. "You stated you had a love... is he not worth living for?"

"Isaac," Alex said, voice gentle.  "Had I no duties I would give him the world.  But as I am now, even my love for him has grown hollow.  Now that he is dead, I cannot get away from my father's disapproval.  His eyes follow my always."

"The dead have no right marring the living..." Erik replied. "Your father should have been happy you had a heart enough to love and not minded who it was for..."

Alex shrugged.  "He felt it would hurt my marriage prospects and through them the kingdom."  He looked at the saddlebags.  "I should go see to my steed."

"When has marrage been anything but a political affair, even in your realm?" Erik shook his head slightly. "Forgive me for detaining you then," he gave a slightly half bow.

Alex turned on his heel and left.
 

Later, Davia, with her bag in hand, headed for the stables to find the King. "Xander?" she called as she poked her head in, "Are you still here?"

The man sighed. "It's too late to leave now, Princess. Sleep as well as you can and we'll leave early tomorrow."

The girl sighed. "I guess you are right about that. I hope Father will be alright until I return home..." she dropped her bag and hugged the man tightly. "Thank you Xander," she said, burying her face in his chest.

After a moment, Alex returned the hug. "He will wait for your return."

"Thanks for finding me," she said, as she slowly let go of Alex. She looked at him. "I never did tell you how sorry I was to hear about your Father and Brother, Xander..." she said, taking his hand and holding it. "I have always wondered how things were for you since then... I am glad you are ok."

Alex's face tightened. "I thank you for your concern, Princess," he said, removing his hand from hers. "I suggest you get a good night's sleep. We will leave early."

Davia looked concerned. "What is wrong Xander?"

"I am fine, Princess. Go to bed now."

Davia gave him a look of disbelief. "I do not believe that you are fine, something is bothering you.. What is it? Maybe I can help.." she pushed the subject a little more.

"Princess, this is not a thing that concerns you," Alex said in a hard voice.

"Alright," she said, backing off. "But if we are to be married soon, I would like it if there were no secrets between us."

"I have said that I will do my best to oppose this marriage. We will see what comes of it."

Davia paused a moment. "Xander?" she said finally.

"Yes?"

"Why is it that you do not want to marry me?" she asked.

"I... do not wish to make a marriage of convenience. And I do not wish to hurt the one I marry when she learns more of me."

Davia blinked. "Learn more of you? What do you mean, Xander? What should I know about you?"

"It is no concern of yours, Princess. Now go sleep or I will put you to bed myself."

"Fine, I will not push this matter any further tonight. I will see you in the morning then," she said, as she left the stables.

Alex sighed and sat down next to his griffin, stretching out to sleep.

Davia went up to the room she was given the night before and tried to sleep.